This document provides guidelines for photographic composition, including techniques like simplicity, the rule of thirds, use of lines, balance, and framing. It recommends isolating the subject, using uncomplicated backgrounds, placing the subject off-center along gridlines for interest, including leading lines or architecture to draw the eye, achieving asymmetrical rather than symmetrical balance, and being careful of cropping to frame the subject properly.

1. guidelines for COMPOSITION

2. COMPOSITION
...
the placement or arrangement
of different elements within a
designated space that make up
your photograph.

3. simplicity
• isolate your subject
• use uncomplicated
backgrounds
• change your vantage
point for creativity
and visual interest

9. rule of thirds
• avoid “centering” your subjects
• align your subject at the intersection of the
gridlines for optimal
visual interest
• horizon lines should
be off centered
{top or bottom 3rd}

15. lines
• lines + geometric shapes
add visual interest
to your photographs
• leading lines can draw
attention to your subject
• look to architecture and
nature for inspiration

21. balance
• trying to achieve a good visual “flow”
• asymmetrical balance
is better than
symmetrical
balance
• unify your
picture
don’t
divide

27. framing
• make sure your
composition is correct
before snapping
the shutter button
•be careful to avoid
unintentional cropping
•items in the
foreground and
background can
add interest

33. what is wrong with this photograph?
symmetrically
balanced?
composition
issues?
focusing issues?

34. What is
wrong with
this picture?
Weird cropping?
Should be horizontal
instead of vertical?
Green tree in center
of horizon is
distracting?

35. Now what?

36. … APPLY the guidelines ...
for each picture you compose you
should try to focus on at least one
composition technique.
……………...
be creative and take great pictures!